First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University at Buffalo we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Economics graduates from University at Buffalo have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 25% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Economics graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 13%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from University at Buffalo with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLicensed Real Estate SalespersonEnvision Real Estate Jan 2018 - Oct 2023 Owner Realty ONE Group Empower Sep 2023 - Present ABOUTAs agents serving the greater Buffalo area, The [NAME REMOVED] Perkins team provides strategic marketing and transaction management services to its clients across many Western New York Markets. Being a Buffalo native for over 20 years, [NAME REMOVED] Perkins found his true passion for real estate through his interest in design and Buffalo's marvelous architecture. Combining his passion for real estate with strong leadership and teaching skills, [NAME REMOVED] has started his own team, aimed at being the most innovative and competitive in the real estate market. The [NAME REMOVED] Perkins Team is made up of seven additional highly trained and dedicated agents. Ranked in the TOP 100 locally and top 5% nationally. Our mission is built on communication, dedication, & trust while embodying the ability to adapt and cater to all our clients' real estate needs. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From looking at the jobs people with Economics degrees from the University at Buffalo have gotten into, there's a mix of roles. A lot of them have gravitated toward positions in sales, management, and various banking roles. For instance, you see titles like Director of Sales and Area Sales Manager popping up, which often rely more on practical business skills rather than in-depth economic analysis. While these jobs sometimes incorporate elements of economics—like understanding market trends or consumer behavior—they usually don’t demand a strong foundation in economic theory.
On the flip side, there are definitely some roles that are squarely aligned with economics. Jobs like Data Analyst or Research Analyst apply economic principles directly, focusing on data interpretation and market analysis. Overall, it seems that while many graduates are in jobs where economics plays a supportive role, only a handful are in positions that truly leverage the core knowledge from their degree. So, while they might not be working in the field of economics as you’d expect, the skills learned in their studies still find a way into a variety of careers!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Economics graduates (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University at Buffalo):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from the University at Buffalo who studied Economics, it seems like there’s a pretty mixed bag when it comes to their first jobs and where they've ended up a few years down the line. Right after graduation, many of them seem to land roles that are somewhat tied to Economics or business, like sales positions, administrative roles, and data analysis jobs. For instance, you see graduates starting out as sales associates or in management trainee programs at banks, which is a solid introduction to the business world.
However, fast forward five to ten years, and the picture starts to get a little more varied. While some graduates find their footing in well-established companies or positions that leverage their Economics background—think data analysts and risk analysts—others have taken a bit of a detour, ending up in roles that might not be directly related to their degree, such as teaching or insurance. On one hand, it's great to see some graduates moving into management positions and even owning businesses, while on the other hand, there are a fair number of folks whose careers have strayed into unrelated fields. Overall, it seems like an Economics degree offers a decent launchpad, but it depends a lot on the individual choices they make afterward. Some have hit the ground running in relevant careers, while others have veered off into various sectors, making it a bit of a mixed bag experience overall.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University at Buffalo—or really anywhere—isn't a walk in the park, but it can definitely be manageable if you’re motivated and have a decent grasp of math and analytical thinking. The coursework dives into concepts like micro and macroeconomics, statistics, and maybe some econometrics, which can get a bit technical. While some students find the material intriguing and engaging, others might struggle with the quantitative aspects. Overall, I'd say it's about average in difficulty compared to other majors—challenging enough to keep you on your toes, but not so brutal that it will completely overwhelm you if you stay organized and seek help when you need it.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
So, looking at the job trajectories of these University at Buffalo grads, it seems like some of them are doing pretty well, especially those who landed roles in sales, management, or specialized fields like data analysis. The ones working in breweries or as real estate agents might have more variable incomes, but those with roles at big companies like GEICO or JPMorgan Chase are likely pulling in decent salaries with benefits. On the flip side, a few of the more entry-level positions, particularly in customer service or education, might not be as lucrative right off the bat. Overall, there’s a solid mix, but it leans toward people having good earning potential as they move into their careers, especially if they stay within industries known for higher pay.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Economics (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University at Buffalo). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Economics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Economics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: